Acral Lick Granuloma: treatment
The use of laser surgical instrumentation is fast becoming a useful tool to assist in treatment of lick granulomas in dogs. The laser instrument ablates the tissue by vaporizing the surface layers. As the laser light energy passes over the diseased tissue it is essentially vaporized, nerve tissue is sealed so that little sensation is perceived by the patient, and bleeding from the surgical area is minimal.
There are also other numerous methods that have been tried in an effort to stimulate healing and resolution of acral lick granulomas in dogs. Some therapy is directed at attempts to keep the dog away from the skin lesion in order to allow it to heal. The truth is is that no single method works very well.
Such things as bandaging the entire leg ( the dog will lick above any wrap or cast that is placed over the lesion) and applying nasty tasting materials such as bitter apple or hot sauce have been used to treat lick granulomas, usually to no avail. Putting an e-collar on doesn’t work well either because as soon as it’s removed the licking starts all over again.
Cortisone injections into and under the granuloma quiet them down, alleviate itching and shrink them–but only for awhile. The dog will then start to lick at the area and then the lesion becomes as big as ever.
This is a real dermtology nightmare! Something makes the dog compulsively attracted to the to the granuloma and they will often start licking at a different place if the dog is prevented from licking at the original lesion.
So what do we do about lick granulomas? Long-term antibiotics seem to be the best form of treatment, at long as 3-6 months may be required for significant treatment. Cortisone Opical creams rubbed into the lesion daily can help. Topical medications that have multiple antibiotic/cortisone ingredients can also help.
So keep an close eye on these problem spots and at the first sign of persistent licking at one particular site, get veterinary help as soon as possible
Please remember not to be overcome with despair. You and your veterinarian will come to the best form of treatment for your furry friend.
Until next time,
Maralyn